President Ruto warns Africa cannot rely on climate pledges without delivery, urges action at COP31

President William Ruto has called on African countries to push for clear climate financing commitments and practical action at the upcoming COP31 summit in Antalya, Türkiye, warning that the continent cannot continue relying on climate pledges that are not followed by delivery. Speaking during the meeting of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC) in New York on Tuesday, Ruto said Africa must forge a common position for COP31 centred on implementation, adaptation, investment and climate-positive growth. “The world does not lack climate pledges. It lacks delivery. Temperatures are rising faster than promises are being fulfilled. Africa’s task is to help close that gap,” he said. Ruto noted that Africa should also have a strong presence at next month’s Pre-COP meeting in Fiji, where the challenges facing Small Island Developing States will be a key focus.